The Northern United States's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape
When people think of the Northern United States, typically they will envision major cities like New York City, Chicago, Boston, or Philadelphia. However, the Northern states also have many hidden gems waiting to be uncovered in their small towns. Within these small towns, you will find scenic parks, islands, lakes, mountains, and much more. Some of these small towns have unique rock formations, American Civil War battlefields, and lighthouses. In fact, these small towns are so rich in natural beauty that they are ideal for a weekend getaway. Here are 9 small towns in the Northern U.S. to consider for your next weekend getaway.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Just over 1,500 people call the scenic town of Cannon Beach, Oregon, home, but its sites bring in many visitors every year. Located on the Pacific Northwest Coast, Cannon Beach is renowned for its idyllic beaches and rock formations, including Haystack Rock. Ecola State Park is one of the best places to visit to see these beaches, but there are several other parks in the area, including Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area and Hug Point State Recreation Area. After a day of swimming or hiking at these parks, you'll build up quite an appetite. Thankfully, there are several locally owned restaurants in town, including Anna's Table, Bill's Tavern & Brewhouse, Bistro, and Cannon Beach Smokehouse. Don't forget to check out some of the local shops in town, such as Cannon Beach Clothing Company and The Water Witch. To get a great view of the sea, stay at The Tides By The Sea Hotel.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The historic town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is the best place for a history buff to visit for a weekend, as it was the site of the climactic Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. You can learn about this battle and the Civil War more broadly at the Gettysburg National Military Park either on foot or via car. Take the historic Gettysburg walking tour through the streets where soldiers fought and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. You can even walk across the historic Sachs Covered Bridge, which was used by both Confederate and Union troops. For hikers, there are several state parks in nearby towns, including Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Codorus State Park. With its rural population, Gettysburg also has some great farm-to-table dining, which you can try out at the Warehouse Gourmet Bistro & Brewpub, The Garden Grille & Bar, and more. There are several quaint places to stay in Gettysburg, such as the Brickhouse Inn.
Mystic, Connecticut
First settled in 1654 as a shipbuilding seaport, Mystic, Connecticut, honors its connection to the sea with aquariums, museums, cruises, and much more. At the Mystic Seaport Museum, you can see many fascinating maritime artifacts, including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. At the Mystic Aquarium, you will see a variety of rich ocean wildlife, or you can take an Argia Mystic Cruise to get a traditional sailing experience. If you'd like to spend a day on the beach, make sure to visit Williams Beach Park, located at the town's YMCA. The town hides many hidden gems, such as Enders Island, B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill, the 300-year-old Denison Homestead Museum, and the Olde Mistick Village, which has tons of specialty businesses and restaurants. For places to stay, try out The Whaler's Inn.
Lake George, New York
Nestled within the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George, New York has a reputation as being America's Original Vacation spot. It is named after the "Queen of the American Lakes," which features 109 miles of shoreline and more than 300 islands to explore. You can see a lot of these islands by taking Adventure Boat Tours & Watersports that will show you all of the Lake, or you can go kayaking via Kayak Lake George. Visit the scenic Fort William Henry Museum or go shopping at one of the many outlet malls in town, such as Factory Outlets of Lake George or Adirondack Outlet Mall. There are many places to go hiking in nearby communities, including Cat and Thomas Mountain Preserve in Bolton Landing, Cole's Woods Trails in Queensbury, and Cook Mountain in Ticonderoga. There's a Holiday Inn in town that offers convenient access to the lake.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
This small island town off the coast of southern Massachusetts is a scenic destination known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and more to see and do. Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a great place for bikers and encourages bike rentals to explore the island. You can ride around the island to see its three historic lighthouses: Brant Point Lighthouse, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, and Great Point Lighthouse. There are many beaches in town on both the northern and southern shores, including Jetties, Steps Beach, Tom Nevers Beach, and more. Nantucket has several unique museums to check out, such as the Whaling Museum. You'll definitely want to spend a weekend here, and there are many bed and breakfast locales to try out, such as Life House, Nantucket.
Nashville, Indiana
If you want to experience a bit of Southern charm up north, consider visiting Nashville, Indiana. Located in Brown County, Indiana, this scenic small town has some of the best parks in the Midwest. In particular, Brown County State Park has been nicknamed the Little Smokies due to its beautiful rolling hills and trails. Aynes Loop is renowned among cyclists in the park. If hiking or cycling isn't your cup of tea, consider visiting the Brown County Saddle Barn to rent a horse to ride in the park. Nashville has a beautiful artisan village with several boutique shops ranging from 58 South Clothing, Abe's Too Cute Corner Boutique, Acorn Cottage Gallery, and At Home With Heartland. If you want a place to stay, try out one of the local bed and breakfast locations like 1078 Hideaway or Story Inn located within Brown County State Park. Story Inn, in particular, has a reputation for being haunted.
Jackson, Wyoming
Just under 11,000 people call Jackson, Wyoming home. Jackson is an inviting Wyoming town that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Jackson keeps the spirit of the West alive with quaint attractions like wagon trains that can take you for a ride around town. The best attractions are the national parks located close to Jackson. From the town, you can reach both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park for an unforgettable experience. If you want to make sure you see everything in the park, including bears, try booking a tour. Inside the town itself, Jackson has a lot of great gift shops to explore, such as Beaver Creek Hat & Leather Company and Boot Barn. If you need a good place to stay in Jackson, enjoy some Old Western hospitality at Jackson Hole Hideout Bed & Breakfast.
Montpelier, Vermont
Despite being the state capital, Montpelier, Vermont is a small town with a population of just over 8,000. This pretty town in New England has plenty of sites to see, both historic and natural. Learn about the history of Vermont at the Vermont Historical Society Museum or see local art on display at the T.W. Wood Gallery. The Capital District itself has a variety of exhibitions, special events, and more, while the Capital City Farmers Market offers some of the best produce in the entire state. There's a variety of outdoor attractions to see, ranging from the Wrightsville Reservoir for boating and Hubbard Park and The North Branch Nature Center for hiking. There are plenty of hotels in town, including The Pointe at Castle Hill and The Vermont House.
Morristown, New Jersey
If you're interested in the American Revolution, then Morristown, New Jersey, is a must-visit. At Morristown National Historical Park, you can see General George Washington's Headquarters Museum, where he stayed from 1779 to 1780 during the war. At that park, you will also see the Continental Army winter encampments. If you want to get a firm grasp of the history of Morristown, take the walking tour Morristown in Three Centuries with the Morris County Tourism Bureau. In addition to historical sites, Morristown is home to the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, a 127-acre garden with a late Victorian style. For good places to eat, visit the Dublin Pub, which has been offering Irish food and drink since 1973. There are many chain hotels to pick from in the area, including Hampton Inn and Best Western Plus, for a pleasant stay in New Jersey.
From Washington to Vermont and all the states in between, there are many different environments to check out in the Northern United States. Whether you are interested in the Old West, classic New England, or the Midwest, you'll find it here. By visiting these towns, you can see wonders such as Yellowstone National Park and the Adirondack Mountains, as well as the beautiful shorelines of Massachusetts and Oregon. And with so many rich American historical sites to visit, you'll always have something to see the next time you take a weekend getaway in the Northern United States.
